Tag Archives: Independence Day

The Fourth of July is one of the most celebrated holidays in the United States, and for good reason—Independence Day celebrates the day the original 13 colonies announced their separation from Great Britain. While that’s the gist of it, there’s more Fourth of July history to be told. Here are a few more facts from us here at Blackburn Nissan.

The initial battles of the American Revolution began in April 1775, but few colonists wanted an all-out war with the world’s greatest power of the age. Taxation with representation drove more and more colonists to change their view and, by July 1776, the scales tipped.

While the Fourth of July was official made a federal holiday in 1941, its roots are found in the late 1700s during the American Revolution. On July 2, 1772, the Continental Congress voted to declare independence. The Declaration was drafted two days, on July 4, by Thomas Jefferson, unofficially marking the early days of the United States of America.

Prior to the war, annual celebrations had taken place on the king’s birthday. Following the war, some colonists chose instead to hold mock funerals for their defeated king. Festivities, such as concerts, parades, and public readings of the Declaration of Independence, took place as well. Many of those traditions continue to this day. Cities around the country hold parades and concerts as well as fireworks displays each Fourth of July.

Are you hosting a party for Independence Day this year? Spice things up with these great 4th of July party ideas that are sure to make this holiday a memorable one.

# 1 – Something Different: A Hot Dog Bar

Instead of spending $200 on steaks and burgers, why not do something different, like a hot dog bar? Set out all of the fixin’s and let your guests make their own. Make sure you’ve got your staples like chili, cheese, relish, mustard and ketchup out. But get creative too! For instance, offer blue cheese crumbles, Sriracha, and pico de gallo,

# 2 – Show Your Spirit: Patriotic Jell-o Shots

Use your preferred Jell-o recipe to create layers of non-alcoholic blue and red-layered Jell-o “shots” by using blue raspberry jell-o and cherry or strawberry Jell-o in small cups. To create the white layer, use cool whip.

# 3 – A Sweet and Salty Treat: Patriotic Popcorn

This awesome snack is sure to be a hit with all of your partygoers. It’s essentially popcorn and pretzel sticks, covered in melted vanilla almond bark and then subsequently mixed with red, white and blue M&Ms. Sound amazing? Find the recipe here.

# 4 – Don’t Forget the Games!

Cornhole is a must at a 4th of July gathering. Make it holiday-appropriate with red, white and blue bean cornhole boards. Painting them doesn’t take much time and you can always re-paint them for the next holiday!